52 Kg of Heroin and Cocaine Seized at Canada-US Border; Khushwinder Singh Gill Arrested

: Canadian authorities have arrested 47-year-old Khushwinder Singh Gill after allegedly recovering 52 kg of heroin and cocaine from two bags inside a truck-trailer travelling from the United States to Canada.
 

According to Federal Police spokesperson Corporal Parmbir Kahlon, the seizure was made during a joint operation involving the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) and the federal police. Officers searched the truck at the border after it entered from the United States.
 

Gill was reportedly questioned about the contents of two suspicious bags found inside the vehicle. His explanation failed to satisfy the officers, prompting them to open the bags for further inspection.
 

The search revealed packages containing heroin and cocaine, reportedly packed in brick-shaped blocks. Following the recovery, federal police took Gill into custody and conducted an investigation. Drug trafficking charges were subsequently laid against him.
 

Joint Operation Leads to Major Drug Seizure
 

David Lee, director of the CBSA's Pacific Region District, said cooperation between the border agency and federal police had strengthened efforts to monitor and prevent drug trafficking.
 

He said the seizure of such a large quantity of drugs demonstrated the effectiveness of coordination between the agencies. According to Lee, stricter enforcement and closer cooperation were helping authorities tackle drug smuggling.
 

The investigation follows a joint effort to identify and intercept suspected drug shipments entering Canada from the United States.
 

Coquitlam Police Arrest 31 Suspected Shoplifters
 

In a separate development, Coquitlam police have arrested 31 people and recovered stolen goods worth thousands of dollars.
 

According to the police spokesperson, the suspects allegedly targeted retail stores, intimidated sales staff and stole merchandise.
 

Police formed a special team to address such thefts. The team reportedly arrested all 31 suspects within a few days and recovered the stolen property.
 

The arrests form part of a separate investigation into retail thefts in the area.